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Chaisson MJP, Sulovari A, Valdmanis PN, Miller DE, Eichler EE. Advances in the discovery and analyses of human tandem repeats. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:361-381. [PMID: 37905568 PMCID: PMC10806765 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Long-read sequencing platforms provide unparalleled access to the structure and composition of all classes of tandemly repeated DNA from STRs to satellite arrays. This review summarizes our current understanding of their organization within the human genome, their importance with respect to disease, as well as the advances and challenges in understanding their genetic diversity and functional effects. Novel computational methods are being developed to visualize and associate these complex patterns of human variation with disease, expression, and epigenetic differences. We predict accurate characterization of this repeat-rich form of human variation will become increasingly relevant to both basic and clinical human genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J P Chaisson
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, U.S.A
- The Genomic and Epigenomic Regulation Program, USC Norris Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, U.S.A
| | - Arvis Sulovari
- Computational Biology, Cajal Neuroscience Inc, Seattle, WA 98102, U.S.A
| | - Paul N Valdmanis
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
| | - Danny E Miller
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
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2
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Khan S, Umair M, Abbas S, Ali U, Zaman G, Ansar M, Wang R, Zhang X, Houlden H, Harlalka GV, Gul A. Overlapping neurological phenotypes in two extended consanguineous families with novel variants in the CNTNAP1 and ADGRG1 genes. J Gene Med 2023; 25:e3513. [PMID: 37178061 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population diversity is important and rare disease isolates can frequently reveal novel homozygous or biallelic mutations that lead to expanded clinical heterogeneity, with diverse clinical presentations. METHODS The present study describes two consanguineous families with a total of seven affected individuals suffering from a clinically similar severe syndromic neurological disorder, with abnormal development and central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) abnormalities. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing followed by 3D protein modeling was performed to identify the disease-causing gene. RNA was extracted from the fresh blood of both families affected and healthy individuals. RESULTS The families were clinically assessed in the field in different regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Magnetic resonance imagining was obtained in the probands and blood was collected for DNA extraction and WES was performed. Sanger sequencing confirmed a homozygous, likely pathogenic mutation (GRCh38: chr17:42684199G>C; (NM_003632.3): c.333G>C);(NP_003623.1): p.(Trp111Cys) in the CNTNAP1 gene in family A, previously associated with Congenital Hypo myelinating Neuropathy 3 (CHN3; OMIM # 618186) and a novel nonsense variant in family B, (GRCh38: chr16: 57654086C>T; NC_000016.10 (NM_001370440.1): c.721C>T); (NP_001357369.1): p.(Gln241Ter) in the ADGRG1 gene previously associated with bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria (OMIM # 606854); both families have extended CNS and PNS clinical manifestations. In addition, 3D protein modeling was performed for the missense variant, p.(Trp111Cys), identified in the CNTNAP1, suggesting extensive secondary structure changes that might lead to improper function or downstream signaling. No RNA expression was observed in both families affected and healthy individuals hence showing that these genes are not expressed in blood. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, two novel biallelic variants in the CNTNAP1 and ADGRG1 genes in two different consanguineous families with a clinical overlap in the phenotype were identified. Thus, the clinical and mutation spectrum is expanded to provide further evidence that CNTNAP1 and ADGRG1 are very important for widespread neurological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Medical Research, RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre (Level 4), Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon, UK
- Hafeez Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Safdar Abbas
- Department of Biological Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Uroba Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Gohar Zaman
- Department of Computer Science, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology, Havelian, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ansar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rongrong Wang
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorder, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Gaurav V Harlalka
- Medical Research, RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre (Level 4), Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, Samarth College of Pharmacy, Deulgaon Raja, Dist. Buldana, Maharashtra, India
| | - Asma Gul
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Ravi B, Chan-Cortés MH, Sumner CJ. Gene-Targeting Therapeutics for Neurological Disease: Lessons Learned from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Annu Rev Med 2021; 72:1-14. [PMID: 33502897 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-070119-115459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The last few decades have seen an explosion in identification of genes that cause monogenetic neurological diseases, as well as advances in gene-targeting therapeutics. Neurological conditions that were once considered incurable are now increasingly tractable. At the forefront is the motor neuron disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), historically the leading inherited cause of infant mortality. In the last 5 years, three SMA treatments have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): intrathecally delivered splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide (nusinersen), systemically delivered AAV9-based gene replacement therapy (onasemnogene abeparvovec), and an orally bioavailable, small-molecule, splice-switching drug (risdiplam). Despite this remarkable progress, clinical outcomes in patients are variable. Therapeutic optimization will require improved understanding of drug pharmacokinetics and target engagement in neurons, potential toxicities, and long-term effects. We review current progress in SMA therapeutics, clinical trials, shortcomings of current treatments, and implications for the treatment of other neurogenetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya Ravi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA;
| | | | - Charlotte J Sumner
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; .,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, USA
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4
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Dogan M, Teralı K, Eroz R, Demirci H, Kocabay K. Clinical and molecular findings in a Turkish family with an ultra-rare condition, ELP2-related neurodevelopmental disorder. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:701-708. [PMID: 33393008 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-06097-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Elongator is a multi-subunit protein complex bearing six different protein subunits, Elp1 to -6, that are highly conserved among eukaryotes. Elp2 is the second major subunit of Elongator and, together with Elp1 and Elp3, form the catalytic core of this essential complex. Pathogenic variants that affect the structure and function of the Elongator complex may cause neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we report on a new family with three children affected with a severe form of intellectual disability along with spastic tetraparesis, choreoathetosis, and self injury. Molecular genetic analyses reveal a homozygous missense variant in the ELP2 gene (NM_018255.4 (ELP2): c.1385G > A (p.Arg462Gln)), while in silico studies suggest a loss of electrostatic interactions that may contribute to the overall stability of the encoded protein. We also include a comparison of the patients with ELP2-related neurodevelopmental disorder to those previously reported in the literature. Apart from being affected with intellectual disability, we have extremely limited clinical knowledge about patients harboring ELP2 variants. Besides providing support to the causal role of p.Arg462Gln in ELP2-related neurodevelopmental disorder, we add self-injurious behavior to the clinical phenotypic repertoire of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Dogan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Malatya Research and Training Hospital, Malatya, Turkey.
| | - Kerem Teralı
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Recep Eroz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Demirci
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Kenan Kocabay
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
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5
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Andelman-Gur MM, Leventer RJ, Hujirat M, Ganos C, Yosovich K, Carmi N, Lev D, Nissenkorn A, Dobyns WB, Bhatia K, Lerman-Sagie T, Blumkin L. Bilateral polymicrogyria associated with dystonia: A new neurogenetic syndrome? Am J Med Genet A 2020; 182:2207-2213. [PMID: 33001581 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The clinical presentation of bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (PMG) is highly variable, including oromotor dysfunction, epilepsy, intellectual disability, and pyramidal signs. Extrapyramidal features are extremely rare. We present four apparently unrelated patients with a unique association of PMG with dystonia. The clinical, genetic, and radiologic features are described and possible mechanisms of dystonia are discussed. All patients were female and two were born to consanguineous families. All presented with early childhood onset dystonia. Other neurologic symptoms and signs classically seen in bilateral perisylvian PMG were observed, including oromotor dysfunction and speech abnormalities ranging from dysarthria to anarthria (4/4), pyramidal signs (3/4), hypotonia (3/4), postnatal microcephaly (1/4), and seizures (1/4). Neuroimaging showed a unique pattern of bilateral PMG with an infolded cortex originating primarily from the perisylvian region in three out of four patients. Whole exome sequencing was performed in two out of four patients and did not reveal pathogenic variants in known genes for cortical malformations or movement disorders. The dystonia seen in our patients is not described in bilateral PMG and suggests an underlying mechanism of impaired connectivity within the motor network or compromised cortical inhibition. The association of bilateral PMG with dystonia in our patients may represent a new neurogenetic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard J Leventer
- Department of Neurology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Christos Ganos
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Keren Yosovich
- Metabolic-Neurogenetic Clinic, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Rina Mor Institute of Medical Genetics, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Nirit Carmi
- Child Development Center, Maccabi Health Services, Bnei Brak, Israel
| | - Dorit Lev
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Metabolic-Neurogenetic Clinic, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Rina Mor Institute of Medical Genetics, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Andreea Nissenkorn
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - William B Dobyns
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kailash Bhatia
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tally Lerman-Sagie
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Metabolic-Neurogenetic Clinic, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Lubov Blumkin
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Metabolic-Neurogenetic Clinic, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Pediatric Movement Disorders Service, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
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Missig G, McDougle CJ, Carlezon WA. Sleep as a translationally-relevant endpoint in studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:90-103. [PMID: 31060044 PMCID: PMC6879602 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0409-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sleep has numerous advantages for aligning clinical and preclinical (basic neuroscience) studies of neuropsychiatric illness. Sleep has high translational relevance, because the same endpoints can be studied in humans and laboratory animals. In addition, sleep experiments are conducive to continuous data collection over long periods (hours/days/weeks) and can be based on highly objective neurophysiological measures. Here, we provide a translationally-oriented review on what is currently known about sleep in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including ASD-related conditions, thought to have genetic, environmental, or mixed etiologies. In humans, ASD is frequently associated with comorbid medical conditions including sleep disorders. Animal models used in the study of ASD frequently recapitulate dysregulation of sleep and biological (diurnal, circadian) rhythms, suggesting common pathophysiologies across species. As our understanding of the neurobiology of ASD and sleep each become more refined, it is conceivable that sleep-derived metrics may offer more powerful biomarkers of altered neurophysiology in ASD than the behavioral tests currently used in humans or lab animals. As such, the study of sleep in animal models for ASD may enable fundamentally new insights on the condition and represent a basis for strategies that enable the development of more effective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galen Missig
- 0000 0000 8795 072Xgrid.240206.2Basic Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
| | - Christopher J. McDougle
- 0000 0004 0386 9924grid.32224.35Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Lexington, MA USA ,000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - William A. Carlezon
- 0000 0000 8795 072Xgrid.240206.2Basic Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
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7
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Hiroi N, Yamauchi T. Modeling and Predicting Developmental Trajectories of Neuropsychiatric Dimensions Associated With Copy Number Variations. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 22:488-500. [PMID: 31135887 PMCID: PMC6672556 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Copy number variants, such as duplications and hemizygous deletions at chromosomal loci of up to a few million base pairs, are highly associated with psychiatric disorders. Hemizygous deletions at human chromosome 22q11.2 were found to be associated with elevated instances of schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder in 1992 and 2002, respectively. Following these discoveries, many mouse models have been developed and tested to analyze the effects of gene dose alterations in small chromosomal segments and single genes of 22q11.2. Despite several limitations to modeling mental illness in mice, mouse models have identified several genes on 22q11.2-Tbx1, Dgcr8, Comt, Sept5, and Prodh-that contribute to dimensions of autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, including working memory, social communication and interaction, and sensorimotor gating. Mouse studies have identified that heterozygous deletion of Tbx1 results in defective social communication during the neonatal period and social interaction deficits during adolescence/adulthood. Overexpression of Tbx1 or Comt in adult neural progenitor cells in the hippocampus delays the developmental maturation of working memory capacity. Collectively, mouse models of variants of these 4 genes have revealed several potential neuronal mechanisms underlying various aspects of psychiatric disorders, including adult neurogenesis, microRNA processing, catecholamine metabolism, and synaptic transmission. The validity of the mouse data would be ultimately tested when therapies or drugs based on such potential mechanisms are applied to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Hiroi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Takahira Yamauchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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8
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Wu S, Tan KJ, Govindarajan LN, Stewart JC, Gu L, Ho JWH, Katarya M, Wong BH, Tan EK, Li D, Claridge-Chang A, Libedinsky C, Cheng L, Aw SS. Fully automated leg tracking of Drosophila neurodegeneration models reveals distinct conserved movement signatures. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000346. [PMID: 31246996 PMCID: PMC6619818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Some neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinsons Disease (PD) and Spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3), are associated with distinct, altered gait and tremor movements that are reflective of the underlying disease etiology. Drosophila melanogaster models of neurodegeneration have illuminated our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of disease. However, it is unknown whether specific gait and tremor dysfunctions also occur in fly disease mutants. To answer this question, we developed a machine-learning image-analysis program, Feature Learning-based LImb segmentation and Tracking (FLLIT), that automatically tracks leg claw positions of freely moving flies recorded on high-speed video, producing a series of gait measurements. Notably, unlike other machine-learning methods, FLLIT generates its own training sets and does not require user-annotated images for learning. Using FLLIT, we carried out high-throughput and high-resolution analysis of gait and tremor features in Drosophila neurodegeneration mutants for the first time. We found that fly models of PD and SCA3 exhibited markedly different walking gait and tremor signatures, which recapitulated characteristics of the respective human diseases. Selective expression of mutant SCA3 in dopaminergic neurons led to a gait signature that more closely resembled those of PD flies. This suggests that the behavioral phenotype depends on the neurons affected rather than the specific nature of the mutation. Different mutations produced tremors in distinct leg pairs, indicating that different motor circuits were affected. Using this approach, fly models can be used to dissect the neurogenetic mechanisms that underlie movement disorders. This study uses automated leg tracking to characterise gait and tremor features in fruit fly models of Parkinson’s disease and spinocerebellar ataxia 3, finding movement features that resemble characteristics of the respective human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wu
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Kah Junn Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | | | - James Charles Stewart
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders, Singapore
| | - Lin Gu
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Joses Wei Hao Ho
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders, Singapore
| | - Malvika Katarya
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Boon Hui Wong
- National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, Singapore
| | - Eng-King Tan
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Daiqin Li
- National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, Singapore
| | - Adam Claridge-Chang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders, Singapore
| | - Camilo Libedinsky
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SiNAPSE), Singapore
- National University of Singapore, Department of Psychology, Singapore
| | - Li Cheng
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail: (SA); (CL)
| | - Sherry Shiying Aw
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- * E-mail: (SA); (CL)
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9
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Increased DNA Copy Number Variation Mosaicism in Elderly Human Brain. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:2406170. [PMID: 30050570 PMCID: PMC6046114 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2406170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex process strongly determined by genetics. Previous reports have shown that the genome of neuronal cells displays
somatic genomic mosaicism including DNA copy number variations (CNVs). CNVs represent a significant source of genetic variation in the human
genome and have been implicated in several disorders and complex traits, representing a potential mechanism that contributes to neuronal diversity
and the etiology of several neurological diseases and provides new insights into the normal, complex functions of the brain. Nonetheless, the features of somatic CNV mosaicism in nondiseased elderly brains have not been investigated. In the present study, we demonstrate a highly significant increase in the number of CNVs in nondiseased elderly brains compared to the blood. In two neural tissues isolated from paired postmortem samples (same individuals), we found a significant increase in the frequency of deletions in both brain areas, namely, the frontal cortex and cerebellum. Also, deletions were found to be significantly larger when present only in the cerebellum. The sizes of the variants described here were in the 150–760 kb range, and importantly, nearly all of them were present in the Database of Genomic Variants (common variants). Nearly all evidence of genome structural variation in human brains comes from studies detecting changes in single cells which were interpreted as derived from independent, isolated mutational events. The observations based on array-CGH analysis indicate the existence of an extensive clonal mosaicism of CNVs within and between the human brains revealing a different type of variation that had not been previously characterized.
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10
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Behavioural traits propagate across generations via segregated iterative-somatic and gametic epigenetic mechanisms. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11492. [PMID: 27173585 PMCID: PMC4869176 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental behavioural traits can be transmitted by non-genetic mechanisms to the offspring. Although trait transmission via sperm has been extensively researched, epidemiological studies indicate the exclusive/prominent maternal transmission of many non-genetic traits. Since maternal conditions impact the offspring during gametogenesis and through fetal/early-postnatal life, the resultant phenotype is likely the aggregate of consecutive germline and somatic effects; a concept that has not been previously studied. Here, we dissected a complex maternally transmitted phenotype, reminiscent of comorbid generalized anxiety/depression, to elementary behaviours/domains and their transmission mechanisms in mice. We show that four anxiety/stress-reactive traits are transmitted via independent iterative-somatic and gametic epigenetic mechanisms across multiple generations. Somatic/gametic transmission alters DNA methylation at enhancers within synaptic genes whose functions can be linked to the behavioural traits. Traits have generation-dependent penetrance and sex specificity resulting in pleiotropy. A transmission-pathway-based concept can refine current inheritance models of psychiatric diseases and facilitate the development of better animal models and new therapeutic approaches. Physiological effects of psychological stress and infection in mothers can increase the incidence of anxiety and psychiatric diseases in offsprings and in subsequent generation. Here, Miklos Toth and colleagues show that intergenerational inheritance of neurological traits is propagated across multiple generations independently by parallel non-genetic mechanisms involving independent segregation of epigenetic specific loci.
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11
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Wang N, Gray M, Lu XH, Cantle JP, Holley SM, Greiner E, Gu X, Shirasaki D, Cepeda C, Li Y, Dong H, Levine MS, Yang XW. Neuronal targets for reducing mutant huntingtin expression to ameliorate disease in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. Nat Med 2014; 20:536-41. [PMID: 24784230 PMCID: PMC4067603 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion leading to an elongated polyglutamine stretch in huntingtin. Mutant huntingtin (mHTT) is ubiquitously expressed in all cells but elicits selective cortical and striatal neurodegeneration in HD. The mechanistic basis for such selective neuronal vulnerability remains unclear. A necessary step toward resolving this enigma is to define the cell types in which mHTT expression is causally linked to the disease pathogenesis. Using a conditional transgenic mouse model of HD, in which the mice express full-length human mHTT from a bacterial artificial chromosome transgene (BACHD), we genetically reduced mHTT expression in neuronal populations in the striatum, cortex or both. We show that reduction of cortical mHTT expression in BACHD mice partially improves motor and psychiatric-like behavioral deficits but does not improve neurodegeneration, whereas reduction of mHTT expression in both neuronal populations consistently ameliorates all behavioral deficits and selective brain atrophy in this HD model. Furthermore, whereas reduction of mHTT expression in cortical or striatal neurons partially ameliorates corticostriatal synaptic deficits, further restoration of striatal synaptic function can be achieved by reduction of mHTT expression in both neuronal cell types. Our study demonstrates distinct but interacting roles of cortical and striatal mHTT in HD pathogenesis and suggests that optimal HD therapeutics may require targeting mHTT in both cortical and striatal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Dept. Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michelle Gray
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Dept. Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiao-Hong Lu
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Dept. Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffrey P. Cantle
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Dept. Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sandra M. Holley
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Erin Greiner
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Dept. Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Gu
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Dept. Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Dyna Shirasaki
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Dept. Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yuqing Li
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Hongwei Dong
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Michael S. Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - X. William Yang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Dept. Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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CHRNA7 triplication associated with cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric phenotypes in a three-generation pedigree. Eur J Hum Genet 2014; 22:1071-6. [PMID: 24424125 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2013.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although deletions of CHRNA7 have been associated with intellectual disability (ID), seizures and neuropsychiatric phenotypes, the pathogenicity of CHRNA7 duplications has been uncertain. We present the first report of CHRNA7 triplication. Three generations of a family affected with various neuropsychiatric phenotypes, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, developmental delay and ID, were studied with array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). High-resolution aCGH revealed a 650-kb triplication at chromosome 15q13.3 encompassing the CHRNA7 gene, which encodes the alpha7 subunit of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. A small duplication precedes the triplication at the proximal breakpoint junction, and analysis of the breakpoint indicates that the triplicated segment is in an inverted orientation with respect to the duplication. CHRNA7 triplication appears to occur by a replication-based mechanism that produces inverted triplications embedded within duplications. Co-segregation of the CHRNA7 triplication with neuropsychiatric and cognitive phenotypes provides further evidence for dosage sensitivity of CHRNA7.
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13
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Ferguson MC, Garland EM, Hedges L, Womack-Nunley B, Hamid R, Phillips JA, Shibao CA, Raj SR, Biaggioni I, Robertson D. SHC2 gene copy number in multiple system atrophy (MSA). Clin Auton Res 2013; 24:25-30. [PMID: 24170347 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-013-0216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic, late onset, rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder, which is characterized by autonomic failure, together with Parkinsonian, cerebellar, and pyramidal motor symptoms. The pathologic hallmark is the glial cytoplasmic inclusion with α-synuclein aggregates. MSA is thus an α-synucleinopathy. Recently, Sasaki et al. reported that heterozygosity for copy number loss of Src homology 2 domain containing-transforming protein 2 (SHC2) genes (heterozygous SHC2 gene deletions) occurred in DNAs from many Japanese individuals with MSA. Because background copy number variation can be distinct in different human populations, we assessed SHC2 allele copy number in DNAs from a US cohort of individuals with MSA, to determine the contribution of SHC2 gene copy number variation in an American cohort followed at a US referral center for MSA. Our cohort included 105 carefully phenotyped individuals with MSA. METHODS We studied 105 well-characterized patients with MSA and 5 control subjects with reduced SHC2 gene copy number. We used two TaqMan Gene Copy Number Assays, to determine the copy number of two segments of the SHC2 gene that are separated by 27 kb. RESULTS Assay results of DNAs from all of our 105 subjects with MSA showed 2 copies of both segments of their SHC2 genes. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that SHC2 gene deletions underlie few, if any, cases of well-characterized MSA in the US population. This is in contrast to the Japanese experience reported by Sasaki et al., likely reflecting heterogeneity of the disease in different genetic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus C Ferguson
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, AA3228 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, 37232-2195, USA,
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Genetics of recessive cognitive disorders. Trends Genet 2013; 30:32-9. [PMID: 24176302 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Most severe forms of intellectual disability (ID) have specific genetic causes. Numerous X chromosome gene defects and disease-causing copy-number variants have been linked to ID and related disorders, and recent studies have revealed that sporadic cases are often due to dominant de novo mutations with low recurrence risk. For autosomal recessive ID (ARID) the recurrence risk is high and, in populations with frequent parental consanguinity, ARID is the most common form of ID. Even so, its elucidation has lagged behind. Here we review recent progress in this field, show that ARID is not rare even in outbred Western populations, and discuss the prospects for improving its diagnosis and prevention.
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Next generation sequencing in psychiatric research: what study participants need to know about research findings. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 16:2119-27. [PMID: 23725748 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145713000527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in psychiatric genetics research and its potential to generate individual research results will likely have far reaching implications for predictive and diagnostic practices. The extent of this impact may not be easily understood by psychiatric research participants during the consent process. The traditional consent process for studies involving human subjects does not address critical issues specific to NGS research, such as the return of results. We examined which type of research findings should be communicated, how this information should be conveyed during the consent process and what guidance is required by researchers and IRBs to help psychiatric research participants understand the peculiarities, the limits and the impact of NGS. Strong standards are needed to ensure appropriate use of data generated by NGS, to meet participants' expectations and needs, and to clarify researchers' duties regarding the disclosure of data and their subsequent management. In the short term, researchers and IRBs need to be proactive in revising current consent processes that deal with the disclosure of research findings.
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Lee CYD, Cantle JP, Yang XW. Genetic manipulations of mutant huntingtin in mice: new insights into Huntington's disease pathogenesis. FEBS J 2013; 280:4382-94. [PMID: 23829302 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This year (2013) marks the 20th anniversary of identification of the causal genetic mutation for Huntington's disease (HD), a landmark discovery that heralded study of the biological underpinnings of this most common dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder. Among the variety of model organisms used to study HD pathogenesis, the mouse model is by far the most commonly used mammalian genetic model. Much of our current knowledge regarding mutant huntingtin (mHtt)-induced disease pathogenesis in mammalian models has been obtained by studying transgenic mouse models expressing mHtt N-terminal fragments, full-length murine or human mHtt. In this review, we focus on recent progress in using novel HD mouse models with targeted mHtt expression in specific brain cell types. These models help to address the role of distinct neuronal and non-neuronal cell types in eliciting cell-autonomous or non-cell-autonomous disease processes in HD. We also describe several mHtt transgenic mouse models with targeted mutations in Htt cis-domains to address specific pathogenic hypotheses, ranging from mHtt proteolysis to post-translational modifications. These novel mouse genetic studies, through direct manipulations of the causal HD gene, utilize a reductionist approach to systematically unravel the cellular and molecular pathways that are targeted by mHtt in disease pathogenesis, and to potentially identify novel targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Daniel Lee
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviors, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Kohl JV. Nutrient-dependent/pheromone-controlled adaptive evolution: a model. SOCIOAFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE & PSYCHOLOGY 2013; 3:20553. [PMID: 24693353 PMCID: PMC3960065 DOI: 10.3402/snp.v3i0.20553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Revised: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prenatal migration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurosecretory neurons allows nutrients and human pheromones to alter GnRH pulsatility, which modulates the concurrent maturation of the neuroendocrine, reproductive, and central nervous systems, thus influencing the development of ingestive behavior, reproductive sexual behavior, and other behaviors. METHODS THIS MODEL DETAILS HOW CHEMICAL ECOLOGY DRIVES ADAPTIVE EVOLUTION VIA: (1) ecological niche construction, (2) social niche construction, (3) neurogenic niche construction, and (4) socio-cognitive niche construction. This model exemplifies the epigenetic effects of olfactory/pheromonal conditioning, which alters genetically predisposed, nutrient-dependent, hormone-driven mammalian behavior and choices for pheromones that control reproduction via their effects on luteinizing hormone (LH) and systems biology. RESULTS Nutrients are metabolized to pheromones that condition behavior in the same way that food odors condition behavior associated with food preferences. The epigenetic effects of olfactory/pheromonal input calibrate and standardize molecular mechanisms for genetically predisposed receptor-mediated changes in intracellular signaling and stochastic gene expression in GnRH neurosecretory neurons of brain tissue. For example, glucose and pheromones alter the hypothalamic secretion of GnRH and LH. A form of GnRH associated with sexual orientation in yeasts links control of the feedback loops and developmental processes required for nutrient acquisition, movement, reproduction, and the diversification of species from microbes to man. CONCLUSION An environmental drive evolved from that of nutrient ingestion in unicellular organisms to that of pheromone-controlled socialization in insects. In mammals, food odors and pheromones cause changes in hormones such as LH, which has developmental affects on pheromone-controlled sexual behavior in nutrient-dependent reproductively fit individuals across species of vertebrates.
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Oh JE, Chambwe N, Klein S, Gal J, Andrews S, Gleason G, Shaknovich R, Melnick A, Campagne F, Toth M. Differential gene body methylation and reduced expression of cell adhesion and neurotransmitter receptor genes in adverse maternal environment. Transl Psychiatry 2013; 3:e218. [PMID: 23340501 PMCID: PMC3566713 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2012.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity, including adverse gestational and postpartum maternal environment, is a contributing factor in the development of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism. In a model of gestational maternal adversity that leads to innate anxiety, increased stress reactivity and impaired vocal communication in the offspring, we asked if a specific DNA methylation signature is associated with the emergence of the behavioral phenotype. Genome-wide DNA methylation analyses identified 2.3% of CpGs as differentially methylated (that is, differentially methylated sites, DMSs) by the adverse environment in ventral-hippocampal granule cells, neurons that can be linked to the anxiety phenotype. DMSs were typically clustered and these clusters were preferentially located at gene bodies. Although CpGs are typically either highly methylated or unmethylated, DMSs had an intermediate (20-80%) methylation level that may contribute to their sensitivity to environmental adversity. The adverse maternal environment resulted in either hyper or hypomethylation at DMSs. Clusters of DMSs were enriched in genes that encode cell adhesion molecules and neurotransmitter receptors; some of which were also downregulated, indicating multiple functional deficits at the synapse in adversity. Pharmacological and genetic evidence links many of these genes to anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-e Oh
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA. E-mail: or
| | - N Chambwe
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Gal
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Andrews
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - G Gleason
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - R Shaknovich
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Melnick
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - F Campagne
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Toth
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA. E-mail: or
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Groisman IJ, Mathieu G, Godard B. Use of next generation sequencing technologies in research and beyond: are participants with mental health disorders fully protected? BMC Med Ethics 2012; 13:36. [PMID: 23256847 PMCID: PMC3537639 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-13-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is expected to help find the elusive, causative genetic defects associated with Bipolar Disorder (BD). This article identifies the importance of NGS and further analyses the social and ethical implications of this approach when used in research projects studying BD, as well as other psychiatric ailments, with a view to ensuring the protection of research participants. Methods We performed a systematic review of studies through PubMed, followed by a manual search through the titles and abstracts of original articles, including the reviews, commentaries and letters published in the last five years and dealing with the ethical and social issues raised by NGS technologies and genomics studies of mental disorders, especially BD. A total of 217 studies contributed to identify the themes discussed herein. Results The amount of information generated by NGS renders individuals suffering from BD particularly vulnerable, and increases the need for educational support throughout the consent process, and, subsequently, of genetic counselling, when communicating individual research results and incidental findings to them. Our results highlight the importance and difficulty of respecting participants’ autonomy while avoiding any therapeutic misconception. We also analysed the need for specific regulations on the use and communication of incidental findings, as well as the increasing influence of NGS in health care. Conclusions Shared efforts on the part of researchers and their institutions, Research Ethics Boards as well as participants’ representatives are needed to delineate a tailored consent process so as to better protect research participants. However, health care professionals involved in BD care and treatment need to first determine the scientific validity and clinical utility of NGS-generated findings, and thereafter their prevention and treatment significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Jaitovich Groisman
- Groupe de recherche Omics-Ethics, Programmes de bioéthique, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, H3C 3J7, Canada
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Wijetunge LS, Chattarji S, Wyllie DJA, Kind PC. Fragile X syndrome: from targets to treatments. Neuropharmacology 2012; 68:83-96. [PMID: 23257237 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is one of the most prevalent and well-studied monogenetic causes of intellectual disability and autism and, although rare, its high penetrance makes it a desirable model for the study of neurodevelopmental disorders more generally. Indeed recent studies suggest that there is functional convergence of a number of genes that are implicated in intellectual disability and autism indicating that an understanding of the cellular and biochemical dysfunction that occurs in monogenic forms of these disorders are likely to reveal common targets for therapeutic intervention. Fundamental research into FXS has provided a wealth of information about how the loss of function of the fragile X mental retardation protein results in biochemical, anatomical and physiological dysfunction leading to the discovery of interventions that correct many of the core pathological phenotypes associated with animal models of FXS. Most promisingly such strategies have led to development of drugs that are now in clinical trials. This review highlights how progress in understanding disorders such as FXS has led to a new era in which targeted molecular treatment towards neurodevelopmental disorders is becoming a reality. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Neurodevelopmental Disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasani S Wijetunge
- Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
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21
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Ramos-Cejudo J, Gutiérrez-Fernández M, Rodríguez-Frutos B, Expósito Alcaide M, Sánchez-Cabo F, Dopazo A, Díez–Tejedor E. Spatial and temporal gene expression differences in core and periinfarct areas in experimental stroke: a microarray analysis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52121. [PMID: 23284893 PMCID: PMC3524135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A large number of genes are regulated to promote brain repair following stroke. The thorough analysis of this process can help identify new markers and develop therapeutic strategies. This study analyzes gene expression following experimental stroke. Methodology/Principal Findings A microarray study of gene expression in the core, periinfarct and contralateral cortex was performed in adult Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 60) after 24 hours (acute phase) or 3 days (delayed stage) of permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Independent qRT-PCR validation (n = 12) was performed for 22 of the genes. Functional data were evaluated by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The number of genes differentially expressed was 2,612 (24 h) and 5,717 (3 d) in the core; and 3,505 (24 h) and 1,686 (3 d) in the periinfarct area (logFC>|1|; adjP<0.05). Expression of many neurovascular unit development genes was altered at 24 h and 3 d including HES2, OLIG2, LINGO1 and NOGO-A; chemokines like CXCL1 and CXCL12, stress-response genes like HIF-1A, and trophic factors like BDNF or BMP4. Nearly half of the detected genes (43%) had not been associated with stroke previously. Conclusions This comprehensive study of gene regulation in the core and periinfarct areas at different times following permanent MCA occlusion provides new data that can be helpful in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Ramos-Cejudo
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Neuroscience and Cerebrovascular Research Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ (Health Research Institute), Autónoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Gutiérrez-Fernández
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Neuroscience and Cerebrovascular Research Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ (Health Research Institute), Autónoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Berta Rodríguez-Frutos
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Neuroscience and Cerebrovascular Research Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ (Health Research Institute), Autónoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Expósito Alcaide
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Neuroscience and Cerebrovascular Research Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ (Health Research Institute), Autónoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fátima Sánchez-Cabo
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Dopazo
- Genomics Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Exuperio Díez–Tejedor
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Neuroscience and Cerebrovascular Research Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ (Health Research Institute), Autónoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Guo M. Drosophila as a model to study mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2012; 2:cshperspect.a009944. [PMID: 23024178 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a009944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Identification of single gene mutations that lead to inherited forms of Parkinson's disease (PD) has provided strong impetus for the use of animal models to study normal functions of these "PD genes" and the cellular defects that occur in the presence of pathogenic PD mutations. Drosophila has emerged as an effective model in PD-related gene studies. Important insights into the cellular basis of PD pathogenesis include the demonstration that two PD genes, PINK1 and parkin, function in a common pathway, with PINK1 positively regulating parkin, to control mitochondrial integrity and maintenance. This is accomplished through regulation of mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics. Subsequent observations in both fly and mammalian systems showed that these proteins are important for sensing mitochondrial damage and recruiting damaged mitochondria to the quality-control machinery for subsequent removal. Here, I begin by reviewing the opportunities and challenges to understanding PD pathogenesis and developing new therapies. I then review the unique tools and technologies available in Drosophila for studying PD genes. Subsequently, I review lessons that we have learned from studies in Drosophila, emphasizing the PINK1/parkin pathway, as well as studies of DJ-1 and Omi/HtrA2, two additional genes associated with PD implicated in regulation of mitochondrial function. I end by discussing how Drosophila can be used to further probe the functions of PINK1 and parkin, and the regulation of mitochondrial quality more generally. In additional to PD, defects in mitochondrial function are associated with normal aging and with many diseases of aging. Thus, insights gained from the studies of mitochondrial dynamics and quality control in Drosophila are likely to be of general significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Guo
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
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Abstract
In the past decade, we have witnessed a flood of reports about mutations that cause or contribute to intellectual disability (ID). This rapid progress has been driven in large part by the implementation of chromosomal microarray analysis and next-generation sequencing methods. The findings have revealed extensive genetic heterogeneity for ID, as well as examples of a common genetic etiology for ID and other neurobehavioral/psychiatric phenotypes. Clinical diagnostic application of these new findings is already well under way, despite incomplete understanding of non-Mendelian transmission patterns that are sometimes observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay W Ellison
- Signature Genomic Laboratories, PerkinElmer, Inc., Spokane, Washington 99207, USA.
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Iourov IY, Vorsanova SG, Yurov YB. Single cell genomics of the brain: focus on neuronal diversity and neuropsychiatric diseases. Curr Genomics 2012; 13:477-88. [PMID: 23449087 PMCID: PMC3426782 DOI: 10.2174/138920212802510439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2011] [Revised: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Single cell genomics has made increasingly significant contributions to our understanding of the role that somatic genome variations play in human neuronal diversity and brain diseases. Studying intercellular genome and epigenome variations has provided new clues to the delineation of molecular mechanisms that regulate development, function and plasticity of the human central nervous system (CNS). It has been shown that changes of genomic content and epigenetic profiling at single cell level are involved in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases (schizophrenia, mental retardation (intellectual/leaning disability), autism, Alzheimer's disease etc.). Additionally, several brain diseases were found to be associated with genome and chromosome instability (copy number variations, aneuploidy) variably affecting cell populations of the human CNS. The present review focuses on the latest advances of single cell genomics, which have led to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of neuronal diversity and neuropsychiatric diseases, in the light of dynamically developing fields of systems biology and "omics".
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Y Iourov
- National Research Center of Mental Health, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Pediatrics and Children Surgery, Minzdravsotsrazvitia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana G Vorsanova
- National Research Center of Mental Health, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Pediatrics and Children Surgery, Minzdravsotsrazvitia, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Neurobiological Diagnosis of Genetic Psychiatric Disorders, Moscow City University of Psychology and Education, Russia
| | - Yuri B Yurov
- National Research Center of Mental Health, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Pediatrics and Children Surgery, Minzdravsotsrazvitia, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Neurobiological Diagnosis of Genetic Psychiatric Disorders, Moscow City University of Psychology and Education, Russia
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Pierson TM, Adams DA, Markello T, Golas G, Yang S, Sincan M, Simeonov DR, Fuentes Fajardo K, Hansen NF, Cherukuri PF, Cruz P, Teer JK, Mullikin JC, Boerkoel CF, Gahl WA, Tifft CJ. Exome sequencing as a diagnostic tool in a case of undiagnosed juvenile-onset GM1-gangliosidosis. Neurology 2012; 79:123-6. [PMID: 22675082 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e31825f047a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To utilize high-throughput sequencing to determine the etiology of juvenile-onset neurodegeneration in a 19-year-old woman with progressive motor and cognitive decline. METHODS Exome sequencing identified an initial list of 133,555 variants in the proband's family, which were filtered using segregation analysis, presence in dbSNP, and an empirically derived gene exclusion list. The filtered list comprised 52 genes: 21 homozygous variants and 31 compound heterozygous variants. These variants were subsequently scrutinized with predicted pathogenicity programs and for association with appropriate clinical syndromes. RESULTS Exome sequencing data identified 2 GLB1 variants (c.602G>A, p.R201H; c.785G>T, p.G262V). β-Galactosidase enzyme analysis prior to our evaluation was reported as normal; however, subsequent testing was consistent with juvenile-onset GM1-gangliosidosis. Urine oligosaccharide analysis was positive for multiple oligosaccharides with terminal galactose residues. CONCLUSIONS We describe a patient with juvenile-onset neurodegeneration that had eluded diagnosis for over a decade. GM1-gangliosidosis had previously been excluded from consideration, but was subsequently identified as the correct diagnosis using exome sequencing. Exome sequencing can evaluate genes not previously associated with neurodegeneration, as well as most known neurodegeneration-associated genes. Our results demonstrate the utility of "agnostic" exome sequencing to evaluate patients with undiagnosed disorders, without prejudice from prior testing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Mark Pierson
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research, Neurogenetics Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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26
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Topçu M. Childhood disabilities: reappraisal in the high-tech era. Dev Med Child Neurol 2012; 54:483. [PMID: 22571728 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2012.04311.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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27
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Xu X, Coats JK, Yang CF, Wang A, Ahmed OM, Alvarado M, Izumi T, Shah NM. Modular genetic control of sexually dimorphic behaviors. Cell 2012; 148:596-607. [PMID: 22304924 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are essential for sexually dimorphic behaviors in vertebrates. However, the hormone-activated molecular mechanisms that control the development and function of the underlying neural circuits remain poorly defined. We have identified numerous sexually dimorphic gene expression patterns in the adult mouse hypothalamus and amygdala. We find that adult sex hormones regulate these expression patterns in a sex-specific, regionally restricted manner, suggesting that these genes regulate sex typical behaviors. Indeed, we find that mice with targeted disruptions of each of four of these genes (Brs3, Cckar, Irs4, Sytl4) exhibit extremely specific deficits in sex specific behaviors, with single genes controlling the pattern or extent of male sexual behavior, male aggression, maternal behavior, or female sexual behavior. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that various components of sexually dimorphic behaviors are governed by separable genetic programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Xu
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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28
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Leoncini S, De Felice C, Signorini C, Pecorelli A, Durand T, Valacchi G, Ciccoli L, Hayek J. Oxidative stress in Rett syndrome: natural history, genotype, and variants. Redox Rep 2011; 16:145-53. [PMID: 21888765 DOI: 10.1179/1351000211y.0000000004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked autism spectrum disorder caused by mutations in the MeCP2 gene in the great majority of cases. Evidence suggests a potential role of oxidative stress (OS) in its pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the potential value of OS markers (non-protein-bound iron (NPBI) and F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs)) in explaining natural history, genotype-phenotype correlation, and clinical heterogeneity of RTT, and gauging the response to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs). METHODS RTT patients (n=113) and healthy controls were assayed for plasma NPBI and F2-IsoPs, and intraerythrocyte NPBI. Forty-two patients with typical RTT were randomly assigned to ω-3 PUFAs supplementation for 12 months. NPBI was measured by HPLC and F2-IsoPs using a gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (GC/NICI-MS/MS) technique. RESULTS F2-IsoPs were significantly higher in the early stages as compared with the late natural progression of classic RTT. MeCP2 mutations related to more severe phenotypes exhibited higher OS marker levels than those of milder phenotypes. Higher OS markers were observed in typical RTT and early seizure variant as compared with the preserved speech and congenital variants. Significant reduction in OS markers levels and improvement of severity scores were observed after ω-3 PUFAs supplementation. DISCUSSION OS is a key modulator of disease expression in RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Leoncini
- Department of Pathophysiology, Experimental Medicine & Public Health, University of Siena, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Senese, Siena, Italy
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29
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Pareek CS, Smoczynski R, Tretyn A. Sequencing technologies and genome sequencing. J Appl Genet 2011; 52:413-35. [PMID: 21698376 PMCID: PMC3189340 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-011-0057-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 375] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Revised: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The high-throughput - next generation sequencing (HT-NGS) technologies are currently the hottest topic in the field of human and animals genomics researches, which can produce over 100 times more data compared to the most sophisticated capillary sequencers based on the Sanger method. With the ongoing developments of high throughput sequencing machines and advancement of modern bioinformatics tools at unprecedented pace, the target goal of sequencing individual genomes of living organism at a cost of $1,000 each is seemed to be realistically feasible in the near future. In the relatively short time frame since 2005, the HT-NGS technologies are revolutionizing the human and animal genome researches by analysis of chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to DNA microarray (ChIP-chip) or sequencing (ChIP-seq), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), whole genome genotyping, genome wide structural variation, de novo assembling and re-assembling of genome, mutation detection and carrier screening, detection of inherited disorders and complex human diseases, DNA library preparation, paired ends and genomic captures, sequencing of mitochondrial genome and personal genomics. In this review, we addressed the important features of HT-NGS like, first generation DNA sequencers, birth of HT-NGS, second generation HT-NGS platforms, third generation HT-NGS platforms: including single molecule Heliscope™, SMRT™ and RNAP sequencers, Nanopore, Archon Genomics X PRIZE foundation, comparison of second and third HT-NGS platforms, applications, advances and future perspectives of sequencing technologies on human and animal genome research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Shekhar Pareek
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Institute of General and Molecular Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
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30
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Molecular and cellular basis of obsessive-compulsive disorder-like behaviors: emerging view from mouse models. Curr Opin Neurol 2011; 24:114-8. [PMID: 21386675 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0b013e32834451fb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews recent literature describing novel mouse genetic models of obsessive-compulsive disorder-like behaviors and neurobiological insights gained from analyses of such models. RECENT FINDINGS Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and ritualistic (compulsive) behaviors. Although the cause of this disorder remains unclear, recent studies of novel mouse genetic models with excessive grooming behaviors have begun to shed light on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of 'obsessive-compulsive disorder-like' behaviors. Genetic deletion of three genes in mice, Hoxb8, Sapap3, and Slitrk5, leads to pathological behaviors including adult-onset excessive grooming with mild-to-severe hair loss and self-injury. In two of the models, the Sapap3-deficient and the Slitrk5-deficient mice, the abnormal grooming behaviors are associated with enhanced anxiety and these pathological behaviors can be curtailed with subchronic administration of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, suggesting the predictive validity of such models. Molecular, pathophysiological, and genetic analyses of these models reveal several insights on the etiological basis of abnormal behaviors in these mice, including abnormal cortico-striatal synapse formation and function in Sapap3 mice, impaired development and function of bone marrow-derived microglia in Hoxb8 mice, and abnormal striatal neuronal differentiation and neurotransmission in Slitrk5 mice. SUMMARY Novel animal models provide powerful tools to investigate the molecular, cellular, and circuitry mechanisms of obsessive-compulsive disorder-like behaviors. Detailed analyses of these models may provide candidate molecules and mechanisms for the investigation of cause and therapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Johnston MV. Education of a child neurologist: developmental neuroscience relevant to child neurology. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2011; 18:133-8. [PMID: 22036501 PMCID: PMC3289954 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2011.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Developmental neuroscience is increasingly relevant to clinical child neurology, and study of advances in neurobiology, neurochemistry and neurogenetics should be part of the curriculum of residency training. The profile of synaptic development is especially relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, Fragile X syndrome, and early epileptic encephalopathies. This knowledge is increasingly being translated into therapies for previously untreatable disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Johnston
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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32
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Neurol 2011; 24:183-90. [DOI: 10.1097/wco.0b013e32834585ec] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Shank3 mutant mice display autistic-like behaviours and striatal dysfunction. Nature 2011; 472:437-42. [PMID: 21423165 PMCID: PMC3090611 DOI: 10.1038/nature09965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1057] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a range of disorders that share a core of neurobehavioural deficits characterized by widespread abnormalities in social interactions, deficits in communication as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. The neurological basis and circuitry mechanisms underlying these abnormal behaviours are poorly understood. Shank3 is a postsynaptic protein, whose disruption at the genetic level is thought to be responsible for development of 22q13 deletion syndrome (Phelan-McDermid Syndrome) and other non-syndromic ASDs. Here we show that mice with Shank3 gene deletions exhibit self-injurious repetitive grooming and deficits in social interaction. Cellular, electrophysiological and biochemical analyses uncovered defects at striatal synapses and cortico-striatal circuits in Shank3 mutant mice. Our findings demonstrate a critical role for Shank3 in the normal development of neuronal connectivity and establish causality between a disruption in the Shank3 gene and the genesis of autistic like-behaviours in mice.
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